The Ultimate Iowa Waterfalls Road Trip Is Right Here And You’ll Want To Do It

If you are in the mood for exploring Iowa’s many natural areas you are in for a treat. We’ve put together a waterfall road trip we think you may enjoy. Since there are so many wonderful waterfalls in Iowa it’s helpful to have a handy dandy map. This trip is just over 400 miles. You’ll see some of the best scenery Iowa has to offer during this 8.5-hour drive.

Here is the interactive Google Map for our waterfall tour in Iowa. If you want to change the route, just click on it and mess around with the order until it pleases you.

You may want to take the weekend to really enjoy this trip. Take a look at the nearby towns and find a cool bed and breakfast or even an Airbnb and make it a long luxurious weekend of sightseeing. Take advantage of this fun road trip idea when you are in need of some outdoor adventures!

Google Maps

Jonathan Quinn/Google

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203 Quarry St, Decorah, IA 52101, USA

PhotoLibrarian/Flickr

There are a few waterfalls in northeast Iowa. You’ll start in Decorah and Dunning’s Spring Falls. Take the time to go to the top for the best view. This area is amazing, so stick around and explore a bit. It’s some of the most beautiful and unique terrain in the state. And you can take one of the best waterfall hikes in Iowa here.

Take a look at the beautiful scenic views you'll find on this wonderful waterfall hike in Dunning's Spring Park in Decorah, Iowa:

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2325 Siewers Spring Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA

J. D. Adelmund/Flickr

Also in Decorah, Dunning’s second waterfall offers some of the best fishing around. It’s on Trout Run Trail, so if you are a fishing enthusiast, you’ll want to bring your gear. Who knows, you might catch lunch! You'll love spending time at Siewers Spring Falls in Iowa.

Paul Herold/Google

2820 Bluffton Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA

Becky Pahl/Google

Located in Winneshiek County on the Upper Iowa River, this area is simply breathtaking. It’s not far from the community of Bluffton. Take a short two-mile hike to see Malanaphy Falls and see them in all their magnificence. It's truly one of the best waterfall hikes in Iowa.

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13299 Spook Cave Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA

Lynn Reihman/Flickr

This incredible Iowa waterfall is in Clayton County. It’s close to Spook Cave in McGregor, which is worth the time it takes to tour. It’s the only underground boat tour in the state and it takes passengers through the most amazing ancient caves. Beulah Spring Falls in Iowa is a spectacular place to visit.

Lets's continue our Iowa waterfall tour by watching this spring-fed waterfall in action in this enchanting time-lapse video:

Ellen Macdonald/Flickr

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Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA

Ellen Macdonald/Flickr

Located in the beautiful town of McGregor, this Iowa waterfall is in Pikes Peak State Park. There are a lot of amazing hiking trails here and much of the park is handicapped accessible. The view from the lookout point of the Mississippi River is breathtaking. This is another park you’ll want to plan to spend time exploring. If you're looking for hiking trails with waterfalls in Iowa, take the one to Bridal Veil Falls.

blaidd/Flickr

Lake Macbride State Park, 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA

Mike Willis/Flickr

Near the small town of Solon, Macbride Falls is a stunning natural wonder and also one of the most underrated waterfalls in Iowa. Luckily, it’s located very close to a town that’s tiny but full of great restaurants.

Let's take a short but scenic hike to Macbride Lake and waterfalls in this quick video:

1215 220th St, Gladbrook, IA 50635, USA

Richard Roche/Flickr

Next, you’ll head into rural Tama County to Union Grove Lake. Union Grove Lake State Park is located between Waterloo and Marshalltown. And it's here you'll find one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iowa.

East State Street, E State St, Mason City, IA 50401, USA

Dan Huntley/Flickr

The last waterfall on the road trip is In Mason City. This one is on private property but you can see it from the bridge on East State Street. It's quite a lovely waterfall to see!

There are a few other waterfalls in Iowa worth mentioning as well. Beads Lake in Hampton has a waterfall that is the result of a dam. Iowa Falls has man-made waterfalls that are easy to kayak close to. Also, check out Marble Rock and the man-made waterfall in Mitchell. East of Mason City is the Shell Rock River Falls at Nora Springs.

What are some of your favorite Iowa waterfalls? Let us know in the comments.